Now that Jamal Crawford has seen Joe Johnson swimming in an Olympic-sized swimming pool full of money courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks, he wouldn’t mind getting some for himself. According to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, Crawford is looking to secure a contract extension from the Hawks under the current CBA in order to avoid becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Crawford played very well for the Hawks last season, but at some point the team will have to make a change. Paying big to keep the current core in place isn’t going to lead to any real progress. Internal improvements just won’t be enough, particularly with Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford, and Mike Bibby regressing over time.

Fair or not, Crawford could be the first one to fall. The precedent may not be there with Atlanta shelling out a ton of money to keep Joe Johnson, but the stream of money is not endless. With a starting shooting guard already in place and other clear needs, the Hawks could look to part ways with Jamal next summer.

Then again, maybe he’ll get a ten-year deal for elevendy billion dollars. The Hawks stay the Hawks, man.